“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18, NKJV)
One of the most beneficial habits the child of God can ever form is reading His Word every day. Yet, according to recent statistics, fewer and fewer actually read the Bible with any regularity. I recently read a survey that stated, “The fact is over 82% of Christian Americans only read their Bibles on Sundays while in church.” (http://poncefoundation.com/christians-dont-read-their-bible/). As someone who really loves the Word of God, I find this disheartening, even alarming.
There is so much to glean from consistent Bible reading. How will I ever discover the character of God if I seldom read His Word? How can I discern between false teachings and truth unless I delve into the Scriptures? How will I determine God’s will? Where will I find encouragement? The preached Word is essential, but I need to hear what God has to say every day, not just on Sunday. I need my daily bread.
Several years ago, I volunteered with a local adult literacy program. During my training, I was told that one of the greatest motivating factors for adults to learn to read was so they could read the Bible. In fact, we used a Bible in our tutoring. I’m afraid such a program might not draw as many participants today. The young man I was assigned to work with was an active church member and loved God with all his heart. He had been asked to teach a Sunday school class but was ashamed to let others know he couldn’t read.
Psalm 119:18 tells us there are wondrous things to see when we open our eyes to God’s Word. That’s why we should set aside time each day to read the Bible.
Why is it so important for us to read and study the Word? How does it help us in our day-to-day lives? We find the answer within the Bible.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7-8, NKJV)
- God’s Word is perfect (effective, has integrity). It gives us the plan of salvation and shows us how to become a new creation in Christ.
- God’s Word is sure (reliable, faithful) and gives us wisdom. It speaks to everyone, regardless of age or intellect. (Also read Psalm 119:130.)
- God’s Word is right (upright, righteous, straight). It keeps us from sin (Psalm 1119:11) and will never lead us astray. His Word gives us joy.
- God’s Word is pure (clean, sincere). It will make us a bright light in a dark world.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) expresses it this way:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
God’s Word is profitable in my life, so I will make it part of my day every day. My desire is to be complete and thoroughly equipped to fill whatever role God calls me to do. How about you? Have you read your Bible today?
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)
Lord, I treasure Your Word. Thank You for the privilege of owning a Bible and being able to openly read it whenever I desire. Not everyone enjoys that opportunity because they do not have that freedom. I pray that You will increase my understanding of the Scriptures and help me to be thoroughly equipped for service. The more I learn about You, the more I can share that knowledge with others.
(Other scriptures to read: Psalm 119:105; Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 4:4; Mark 13:31; Hebrews 4:12; I Peter 1:23)
3 Comments
Beautifully written! I loose the Word and one of my deepest regrets is that my children didn’t see their mother reading The Word on a daily basis as they were growing up.
I love the Word!
The Word has been my lifeline. ❤️Beautiful.